Iraq has held government-sponsored celebrations of President Saddam Hussein's 65th birthday amid reports the United States is considering a military option to topple him. 

As many as one million people turned out across Iraq as crowds led by members of the ruling Ba'ath party took to the streets in various provinces. 

President Saddam rarely is seen at such celebrations, but in a statement he expressed Iraq's solidarity with the Palestinian people. 

The celebrations took place as U.S. news reports said the Bush administration is focusing its attention on the potential for a major air campaign against Iraq followed by a ground invasion. 

Administrations officials say many options are being considered for dealing with Iraq but they say President Bush has not yet made a decision on a particular course of action. 

Speaking on U.S. television, the leaders of the U.S. Senate said there is broad support for toppling President Saddam. But Majority Leader Tom Daschle and Minority Leader Trent Lott say it is too early to take military action against Iraq. 

The New York Times is reporting the Bush administration had until recently contemplated a confrontation with the Iraqi leader later this year. 

Under that scenario, the paper said U.S. officials would first demonstrate to the United Nations that President Saddam is unwilling to allow international inspectors access to suspect weapons sites. 

In Baghdad, the state-run news agency says President Saddam's birthday festivities are meant to show support for the Iraqi leader and to confront aggression. Three-hundred couples gathered in the city for a mass wedding as part of Mr. Hussein's birthday celebrations. 

Iraqi journalists staged an anti-American rally outside the U.S. embassy in Baghdad. Loudspeakers played songs of praise for the president. 

Some information for this report provided by Reuters.

Email this article to a friend.
Printer Friendly Version